In recent years, the number of foreign residents in Japan has increased rapidly. According to the Ministry of Justice, the total number reached approximately 3.3 million by the end of 2023. With the expansion of programs such as Technical Intern Training and the Specified Skilled Worker system, as well as the presence of international students and immigrants through international marriages, people with diverse backgrounds now live across the country. Consequently, the demand for Japanese language education is rising.
Foreign children, in particular, often face linguistic disadvantages despite being enrolled in the compulsory education system, leading to challenges in both academic and social integration. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has begun to enhance Japanese language instruction in evening junior high schools, where such children often enroll. However, these evening schools are limited in number and scale, making it difficult to support the needs of the entire foreign population.
Government and Private Sector Approaches: Achievements and Efforts
1. Government Initiatives: Policy Framework and Support
The Japanese government has begun building a national framework to support Japanese language education. In 2019, the “Act on the Promotion of Japanese Language Education” was enacted, which clarified the roles of national and local governments in providing such education. Based on this law, the following initiatives have been implemented:
- Local governments are formulating “Japanese Language Education Promotion Plans.”
- Schools are identifying students requiring Japanese instruction and developing support systems.
- Public Japanese language classes and multicultural centers are being established.
- Support at evening junior high and part-time high schools is being enhanced.
MEXT and the Agency for Cultural Affairs provide subsidies for developing infrastructure, training teachers, and creating teaching materials for Japanese language learners. Special focus has been placed on strengthening JSL (Japanese as a Second Language) instruction, which has produced positive outcomes in schools.
However, these efforts are mostly concentrated in urban areas with high foreign populations, while support in rural areas remains insufficient.
2. Private Sector and Civil Society: The Role of Volunteers and NGOs
Non-governmental organizations, volunteer groups, and regional international associations play an essential role in Japanese language education. Their main activities include:
- Weekly or multi-weekly Japanese language classes for local residents (both in-person and online)
- Supplementary learning support for children and adults who cannot attend formal schools
- Practical Japanese lessons for foreign workers
- Collaboration with multilingual consultation centers for life support
These activities are responsive to the needs of learners and can provide flexible and swift support without relying heavily on institutional procedures. However, many are run on a volunteer basis and struggle with funding and staffing, threatening the sustainability of their services.
Key Challenges and Issues
1. Regional Disparities in Educational Resources
In urban areas such as Tokyo, Aichi, and Osaka, Japanese language programs are more developed. However, rural regions, where foreign workers are also increasingly present—especially in agriculture, caregiving, and construction—face a shortage of infrastructure. This gap may lead to social isolation and higher risks of labor exploitation or accidents.
2. Lack of Qualified Teachers
Securing qualified Japanese language teachers is an urgent issue. Currently, most teachers are certified through private training programs, with no standardized national qualification system. The government is working to introduce a national certification, but effective implementation will require time and careful design.
3. Inadequate Support for Foreign Children
Children with foreign roots need support not only in language but also in adapting culturally and psychologically. In schools, there is still a persistent misunderstanding that “poor Japanese = low academic ability,” making it difficult to offer appropriate evaluations and learning opportunities. The deployment of bilingual assistants and native language support, along with systematic teacher training, is necessary.
4. Social Acceptance and Cultural Integration
Language education is not just about teaching vocabulary and grammar—it enables full participation in society. However, a mindset still exists that “learning Japanese = assimilating into Japanese culture,” which hinders true multicultural coexistence. A broader societal consensus on the value of linguistic and cultural diversity must be built.
Conclusion: Toward a Sustainable Japanese Language Education System
Japan is facing a declining birthrate and aging population. Accepting foreign residents is inevitable, and Japanese language education is essential for integrating them into society. However, this education should not be limited to language acquisition—it must address broader aspects of education, welfare, labor, and culture.
A sustainable and inclusive Japanese language education system requires both public sector investment and grassroots private sector innovation. National and local governments, schools, NGOs, businesses, and community members must work together to ensure that no one is left behind.